Chapter 42: Cherished Loved Ones, Brothers Bound by Blood

Xu Ming had still underestimated the enthusiasm of netizens these days.

Once the article was published, before any paid commentators could mobilize, it was spontaneously boosted by the online community and shared across various forums and websites.

The public has always harbored a morbid curiosity and a sense of reverence toward the glamorous entertainment industry.

Otherwise, the extraordinary treatment of celebrities in the domestic entertainment world wouldn't exist.

At its root, this traces back to the founding era when artists were granted high status, a legacy that continues to this day.

As the leading private entertainment company, Huayi Entertainment boasts a large roster of stars, and with the circulating gossip, Xu Ming’s scathing article instantly became a hot topic online.

Soon after, the paid commentators contacted by Xiao Yuan added fuel to the fire, and in no time, this blaze spread across the entire internet and even seeped into offline spheres.

Originally struggling with poor sales and lacking controversial news, tabloids jumped on the bandwagon en masse.

Truth or falsehood was irrelevant; as long as it attracted attention, it would be published.

As for Huayi and the “Two Kings”’ reputations?

To be honest, those tabloids feasted on their misfortunes.

If they weren’t famous enough, they wouldn’t bother.

At times like this, friendship and connections mean nothing.

Could they possibly withstand the fervor of hundreds of millions of netizens? Could they stop the frenzy of unscrupulous tabloids?

This is what it means to be submerged in the sea of the masses.

When the blog post’s views broke one million the next day, Xu Ming decided it was time to act.

After donning his online pseudonym, he stepped forward in person.

He had previously registered an account on the blog to post updates about the filming of "Loser Gentleman" and performances by Benshan Media.

Originally, he intended that if he couldn’t make it onto the Spring Festival Gala, he would pivot to becoming an internet celebrity—a strategic detour.

Unexpectedly, although he abandoned that backup plan, it still came in handy.

“Xu Da Da Da Ming: Double plugs, understood.”

The appearance of his own account was undoubtedly pouring gasoline on the fire.

After all, during this period, the juicy scandals involving Xu Ming, Zhang Weijian, Du Wenzhe, and others had been relished by netizens.

Some bored individuals even compared the footprints on Zhang Weijian’s battered clothes with Xu Ming’s shoe size after Zhang posted photos of the attack…

“Bad Boy’s Good Girl: Xu Ming himself appears in the comments, oh my god, it’s really him.”

“Idealist of the Quiet: Can someone knowledgeable explain?”

“Handsome Big Boy: Those from Rongdu should know well.”

Soon, someone decoded the meaning, enlightening everyone as if a new world had opened.

The internet is truly marvelous—things like this were unheard of before.

Tsk tsk, recalling those past scandals about Huayi, the more one thinks, the more terrifying they become.

In an instant, with the article’s spread, Xu Ming’s comments became a viral meme.

And the meme, in turn, helped boost the article’s popularity.

All of Huayi’s male and female stars were dragged into the fray, each scrutinized under a magnifying glass by netizens.

Anyone close to the “Little King” became a subject of speculation.

Many even directed their inquiries to Xu Ming.

“Is the Huayi Little King incident real or fake?”

“Guess.”

“Who’s involved? Rumor has it two male stars are competing for favor—is that true?”

“Guess.”

“Bah, boring. Aren’t you worried about retaliation messing with Huayi? If it gets bad, just stay in the Northeast and don’t go out.”

“Don’t worry. I’m just scratching the surface. If they don’t get the hint, there’s more hardcore stuff waiting.”

Xu Ming chatted briefly with the gossip-hungry Xiao Songjia, but when he heard a knock, he said, “Something’s up, gotta go.”

After hanging up, Xiao Yuan entered.

“Brother Ming, we got the surveillance footage. The boss gave us the full version. Before, the Xiangjiang folks only showed part of it.”

“When I picked it up, they also asked me to send their regards. Said their whole family likes you,” Xiao Yuan added.

See, that’s grassroots support.

One “No Problem with Money” alone could sustain him for ten years.

“Later, send him a few signed photos. Let’s play the video.”

After giving instructions, Xu Ming began watching the footage.

Though blurry, Zhang Weijian, Du Wenzhe, and others were identifiable.

On screen, Xiao Shenyang stepped forward to talk with the others, only to be shoved around by Du Wenzhe and his group who stood up.

Over a dozen Xiangjiang entertainers surrounded Xiao Shenyang and the others, starting a scuffle.

Then, security from the bar intervened, followed by Xu Ming’s arrival.

From this footage alone, the arrogant aggressors were clearly Du Wenzhe’s side.

By contrast, Xu Ming’s group appeared to be the victims.

“Public opinion is already so heated. Should I have someone release this?” Xiao Yuan asked.

If this video went public, the Xiangjiang provocateurs would surely be silenced.

“Wait a bit,” Xu Ming shook his head.

Such decisive video evidence must be saved for a critical moment.

Before that, he had to make full use of this hard-earned wave of attention.

After all, it had been bought with Shenyang’s beating.

That was his beloved family and sworn brothers.

They deserved proper recognition.

Securing the footage, he dialed Teng Huatao.

“Hello, Director Teng.”

“No need for formalities, just call me Xiao Teng. I was going to direct a play for you, but now you’ve become the company’s black sheep. Maybe we should wait a while—I’m afraid Chairman Wang and the others might misunderstand.”

Teng Huatao admired Xu Ming’s guts. He had thought the boldness shown at the launch ceremony was exceptional.

Now he realized it was nothing compared to this.

Beating up Zhang Weijian and company was one thing, but openly talking about double plugs...

“Xiao Teng, how’s the production of ‘Let’s Break Up’ going? You need to hurry up with the movie trailer too—the music and trailer should be released together for best effect.”

“Since I have some heat right now, I’ll release it soon. After this moment passes, there won’t be another chance.”

Xu Ming mulled over the fact that from the New Year until now, he had led entertainment headlines at least three times, contributing almost a quarter of the media’s KPIs.

If he kept stirring the pot, audiences would soon grow tired.

Teng Huatao was about to protest the “Xiao Teng” nickname, but after hearing Xu Ming’s words, he fell silent.

After a long pause, he said quietly, “Teacher Xu, you’re making a noble sacrifice. I was wrong to doubt you.”

Where else could one find a leading man willing to drum up publicity for the crew?

Teng Huatao even began to waver on his earlier vow never to work with Xu Ming again.

“It’s all for the film. Don’t let my sacrifice go to waste,” Xu Ming sighed in response.

“Don’t worry. Even if it means breaking with the company, I’ll support the film to the end.”

Teng Huatao’s rare ambition flared, then he hesitated.

“But you’re playing with fire. Even though you use a pseudonym, anyone with eyes knows the article is linked to you.”

“Be careful. The ‘Two Kings’ brothers aren’t known for their generosity. That’s all I can say.”

Xu Ming smiled. “Thanks for the warning. Please hurry up with the trailer. This should all settle down soon.”

Teng Huatao’s hand trembled on the phone. A strange chill crept up the back of his neck. Where did Xu Ming get such confidence?